No TikTok dances for West Virginia, as coach Rich Rodriguez emphasizes the need for a “hard edge” in his football program. Like any dedicated coach, he expects his players to arrive punctually, put in maximum effort, and perform at their highest level on the field.
Additionally, he has a clear stance on social media conduct: no dancing on TikTok.
“They’re going to be on it, so I’m not banning them from it,” Rodriguez explained on Monday. “I’m just banning them from dancing on it. We aim to maintain a tough image, and seeing players in tights dancing on TikTok doesn’t reflect the program I envision.”
Creating dance videos on TikTok has become a trendy pastime for many high school and college students. Notable athletes like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty, and Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola have all shared their dance moves online.
As he begins his second term as the Mountaineers’ coach, Rodriguez has addressed the societal shift towards individualism over teamwork. By restricting TikTok dancing, he aims to redirect focus back to collective success and unity within the team.
“I’m allowed to set rules,” he stated. “In twenty years, if they want to lounge in their pajamas, munching on Cheetos and scrolling through TikTok, that’s their choice. They can do whatever they want.”
For now, Rodriguez hopes to keep the team’s focus sharp: “Let’s prioritize winning football games instead of chasing TikTok fame.”
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